I . GENERAL OPERATION â¢ Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields when operating â¢ Read , understand , and follow all mower . instructions on the machine and in the manual ( s ) before starting . Be thoroughly II . SLOPE OPERATION familiar with the controls and the proper Slopes are a major factor related to slip & use of the machine before starting . fall accidents which can result in severe in - â¢ Do not put hands or feet near or under jury . All slopes require extra caution . If you rotating parts . Keep clear of the dis - feel uneasy on a slope , do not mow it . charge opening at all times . DO : â¢ Only allow responsible individuals , who â¢ Mow across the face of slopes : never are familiar with the instructions , to oper - ate the machine . up and down . Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes . â¢ Clear the area of objects such as rocks , â¢ Remove obstacles such as rocks , tree toys , wire , bones , sticks , etc . , which limbs , etc . could be picked up and thrown by blade . â¢ Watch for holes , ruts , or bumps . Tall â¢ Be sure the area is clear of other people grass can hide obstacles . before mowing . Stop machine if anyone enters the area . DO NOT : â¢ Do not operate the mower when bare - â¢ Do not trim near drop - offs , ditches or foot or wearing open sandals . Always embankments . The operator could lose wear substantial foot wear . footing or balance . â¢ Do not pull mower backwards unless â¢ Do not trim excessively steep slopes . absolutely necessary . Always look down â¢ Do not mow on wet grass . Reduced foot - and behind before and while moving ing could cause slipping . backwards . III . CHILDREN â¢ Never direct discharged material toward Tragic accidents can occur if the operator anyone . Avoid discharging material is not alert to the presence of children . against a wall or obstruction . Material Children are often attracted to the machine may richochet back toward the opera - and the mowing activity . Never assume tor . Stop the blade when crossing gravel surfaces . that children will remain where you last saw them . â¢ Do not operate the mower without â¢ Keep children out of the trimming area proper guards , plates , grass catcher or and under the watchful care of another other safety protective devices in place . â¢ See manufacturer's instructions for responsible adult . â¢ Be alert and turn machine off if children proper operation and installation of enter the area . accessories . Only use accessories ap - â¢ Before and while walking backwards , proved by the manufacturer . look behind and down for small children . â¢ Stop the blade ( s ) when crossing gravel â¢ Never allow children to operate the ma - drives , walks , or roads . chine . â¢ Stop the engine ( motor ) whenever you â¢ Use extra care when approaching blind leave the equipment , before cleaning the corners , shrubs , trees , or other objects mower or unclogging the chute . that may obscure vision . â¢ Shut the engine ( motor ) off and wait until the blade comes to complete stop before IV . SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE removing grass catcher . Use extreme care in handling gasoline . â¢ Mow only in daylight or good artificial Gasoline is extremely flammable and the light . vapors are explosive . â¢ Do not operate the machine while under â¢ Extinguish all cigarettes , cigars , pipes the influence of alcohol or drugs . and other sources of ignition . â¢ Never operate machine in wet grass . â¢ Use only an approved container . Always be sure of your footing : keep a â¢ Never remove gas cap or add fuel with firm hold on the handle ; walk , never run . the engine running . Allow engine to cool â¢ Disengage the self - propelled mech - before refueling . anism or drive clutch on mowers so â¢ Never refuel the machine indoors . equipped before starting the engine . â¢ Never store the machine or fuel contain - â¢ If the equipment should start to vibrate er where there is an open flame , spark abnormally , stop the engine ( motor ) and or pilot light such as a water heater or on check immediately for the cause . Vibra - other appliances . tion is generally a warning of trouble . Page: 4

Repair Protection Agreements Congratulations on making a smart pur - â¢ Fast help by phone - phone sup - chase . Your new Craftsman Â® product is port from a Sears representative on designed and manufactured for years of products requiring in - home repair , plus dependable operation . But like all prod - convenient repair scheduling . ucts , it may require repair from time to Once you purchase the Agreement , a time . That's when having a Repair Protec - simple phone call is all that it takes for you tion Agreement can save you money and to schedule service . You can call anytime aggravation . day or night , or schedule a service ap - pointment online . Purchase a Repair Protection Agreement Sears has over 12,000 professional repair now and protect yourself from unexpected specialists , who have access to over 4.5 hassle and expense . million quality parts and accessories . That's the kind of professionalism you can Here's what's included in the Agreement : count on to help prolong the life of your â¢ Expert service by our 12,000 profe - new purchase for years to come . Purchase sional repair specialists . your Repair Protection Agreement today ! â¢ Unlimited service and no charge for Some limitations and exclusions apply . parts and labor on all covered repairs . For prices and additional information call 1 - 800 - 827 - 6655 . â¢ Product replacement if your covered product can't be fixed . Sears Installation Service â¢ Discount of 10 % from regular price of service and service - related parts not For Sears professional installation of home covered by the agreement ; also , 10 % appliances , garage door openers , water off regular price of preventive mainte - heaters , and other major home items , in nance check . the U . S . A . call 1 - 800 - 4 - MY - HOME Â® . These accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced . They are not shipped with your mower . They are also available at most Sears retail outlets and service centers . Some of these accessories may not apply to your lawn mower . LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE CLIPPING DEFLECTORS FOR STABILIZER REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS GRASS CATCHERS GRASS CATCHERS FOR FOR REAR DISCHARGE SIDE DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS LAWN MOWERS LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE MUFFLERS AIR FILTERS SPARK PLUGS BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS ENGINE OIL 5 Page: 6

Read these instructions and this manual in its entirety before you attempt to assemble or operate your new lawn mower . IMPORTANT : This lawn mower is shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine . Your new lawn mower has been assembled at the factory with the exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes . To ensure safe and proper operation of your lawn mower , all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely . Use the correct tools as necessary to ensure proper tightness . All parts such as nuts , washers , bolts , etc . , necessary to complete the assembly have been placed in the parts bag . TO ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER TO REMOVE MOWER FROM CARTON 1 . Put grass catcher frame into grass bag 1 . Remove loose parts included with mower . 2 . Cut down two end corners of carton with rigid part of bag on the bottom . Make sure the frame handle is outside and lay end panel down flat . of the bag top . 3 . Remove all packing materials except 2 . Slip vinyl bindings over frame . padding between upper and lower NOTE : If vinyl bindings are too stiff , hold handle and padding holding operator them in warm water for a few minutes . If presence control bar to upper handle . 4 . Roll lawn mower out of carton and bag gets wet , let it dry before using . check carton thoroughly for additional loose parts . HOW TO SET UP YOUR MOWER TO UNFOLD HANDLE IMPORTANT : Unfold handle carefully so as not to pinch or damage control cables . I . Raise handles until lower handle sec - tion locks into place in mowing position . 2 . Remove protective padding , raise up - per handle section into place on lower handle and tighten both handle knobs . 3 . Remove handle padding holding operator presence control bar to upper handle . Vinyl Frame Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted bindings opening for your mowing comfort . Refer to " AD - JUST HANDLE " in the Service and Adjust - ments section of this manual . TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS Operator MOWING Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be I : POSITION used as a mulcher . To convert mower to control bar bagging or discharging , see " TO CON - VERT MOWER " in the Operation section of this manual . Upper UP handle Handle knob Lower handle Page: 7

KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND ALL SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER . Compare the illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments . Save this manual for future reference . These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature supplied with the product . Learn and understand their meaning . CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER , KEEP HANDS OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY Drive control â¢ Operator presence control bar bar Handle knob Engine oil cap with dipstick Starter handle Primer Grass catcher Muffler plug Gasoline filler cap Air filter Drive cover JVheel adjuster Housing ( on each wheel ) IMPORTANT : This lawn mower is shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine . MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS Sears rotary walk - behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute and the U . S . Consumer Product Safety Com - mission . The blade turns when the engine is running . Operator presence control bar - must Primer - pumps additional fuel from the be held down to the handle to start the carburetor to the cylinder for use when engine . Release to stop the engine . starting a cold engine . Starter handle - used for starting engine . Drive control bar - used to engage Mulcher door - allows conversion to power - propelled forward motion of mower . discharging or bagging operation . Page: 8

TO OPERATE DRIVE SYSTEM Theoperationof any SAFGELTAYSSElaSwn mowercan result â¢ To start forward motion , lift drive con - trol bar up to handle . inforeignobjectsthrown â¢ To stop forward motion , release drive intothe eyes , which acanm - control bar . resultinsevere eyed IMPORTANT : Always keep drive control age . Alwayswearsafetyglassesor eye fully engaged against handle when in use . shieldswhileoperatingyour lawnmower or performinganyadjustmentsor repairs . We recommenda standardsafetyglasses or wide visionsafetymaskworn over spectacles . HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER Operator ENGINE SPEED presence control bar The engine speed was set at the factory for optimum performance . Speed is not adjustable . DRtVE CONTROLENGAGED ENGINE ZONE CONTROL _ I _ CAUTION : Federal regulations require an engine control to be installed on this lawn mower in order to minimize the risk of blade contact injury . Do not under any circumstances attempt to defeat the function of the operator control . The blade DRIVE CONTROLDISENGAGED turns when the engine is running . â¢ Your lawn mower is equipped with an operator presence control bar which requires the operator to be positioned TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT behind the lawn mower handle to start Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels and operate the lawn mower . for high cut , adjust cutting height to suit your requirements . Medium position is best for most lawns . â¢ To change cutting height , squeeze ad - juster lever toward wheel . Move wheel up or down to suit your requirements . Be sure all wheels are in the same setting . NOTE : Adjuster is properly positioned when plate tab inserts into hole in lever . Also , 9 - position adjusters ( if so equipped ) allow lever to be positioned between the plate tabs . LEVER BACKWARD Plate tab TO LOWER MOWER LEVER FORWARD TO RAISE MOWER Lever Page: 9

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER Engine 1 . Lift up on grass catcher using the oil cap frame handle . 2 . Remove grass catcher with clippings from under lawn mower handle . 3 . Empty clippings from bag . NOTE : Do not drag the bag when empty - ing ; it will cause unnecessary wear . ' \ Gasoline Grass catcher filler cap - . _ frame handle Primer ADD GASOLINE â¢ Fill fuel tank to bottom of tank filler neck . Do not overfill . Use fresh , clean , regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane . Do not mix oil with gasoline . Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel fresh - ness . BEFORE STARTING ENGINE A CAUTION : Wipe off any spilled oil or ADD OIL fuel . Do not store , spill or use gasoline near an open flame . Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in _ , CAUTION : Alcohol blended fuels the engine . For type and grade of oil to ( called gasohol or using ethanol or metha - use , see " ENGINE " in the Maintenance nol ) can attract moisture which leads to section of this manual . separation and formation of acids during A CAUTION : DO NOT overfill engine with storage . Acidic gas can damage the fuel oil , or it will smoke heavily from the muffler system of an engine while in storage . To on startup . avoid engine problems , the fuel system 1 . Be sure lawnmower is level . should be emptied before storage of 30 2 . Remove oil dipstick from oil fill spout . days or longer . Empty the gas tank , start 3 . You receive a container of oil with the the engine and let it run until the fuel lines unit . Slowly pour the entire container and carburetor are empty . Use fresh fuel down the oil fill spout into the engine . next season . See Storage Instructions for NOTE : Initial oil fill requires only 18 oz . additional information . Never use engine due to residual oil in engine from the or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel manufacturers 100 % quality testing . When tank or permanent damage may occur . changing oil you may need 20 oz . 4 . Insert and tighten dipstick . IMPORTANT : â¢ Check oil level before each use . Add oil if needed . Fill to full line on dipstick . â¢ Change the oil after every 25 hours of operation or each season . You may need to change the oil more often under dusty , dirty conditions . See " TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL " in the Mainte - nance section of this manual . 10 Page: 11

TO STOP ENGINE MULCHING MOWING TIPS â¢ To stop engine , release operator pres - IMPORTANT : For best performance , ence control bar . keep mower housing free of built - up grass and trash . See " CLEANING " in the TO START ENGINE Maintenance section of this manual . NOTE : Due to protective coatings on the â¢ The special mulching blade will recut engine , a small amount of smoke may be the grass clippings many times and present during the initial use of the product reduce them in size so that as they fall and should be considered normal . onto the lawn they will disperse into 1 . To start a cold engine , push primer the grass and not be noticed . Also , the three ( 3 ) times before trying to start . mulched grass will biodegrade quickly Use a firm push . This step is not to provide nutrients for the lawn . Always usually necessary when starting an mulch with your highest engine ( blade ) engine which has already run for a few speed as this will provide the best recut - minutes . ting action of the blades . 2 . Hold operator presence control bar â¢ Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet . down to the handle and pull starter Wet grass tends to form clumps and handle quickly . Do not allow starter interferes with the mulching action . The rope to snap back . best time to mow your lawn is the early NOTE : In cooler weather it may be afternoon . At this time the grass has necessary to repeat priming steps . In dried , yet the newly cut area will not be warmer weather over priming may cause exposed to direct sunlight . flooding and engine will not start . If you do â¢ For best results , adjust the lawn mower flood engine , wait a few minutes before cutting height so that the lawn mower attempting to start and do not repeat cuts off only the top one - third of the priming steps . grass blades . If the lawn is overgrown it will be necessary to raise the height of cut to reduce pushing effort and to keep MOWING TIPS from overloading the engine and leaving A CAUTION : Do not use de - thatcher clumps of mulched grass . For extremely blade attachments on your mower . Such heavy grass , reduce your width of cut attachments are hazardous , will damage by overlapping previously cut path and your mower and could void your warranty . mow slowly . â¢ Under certain conditions , such as very tall grass , it may be necessary to raise the height of cut to reduce pushing 1 / 3 effort and to keep from overloading the engine and leaving clumps of grass clip - pings . It may also be necessary to re - duce ground speed and / or run the lawn mower over the area a second time . â¢ For extremely heavy cutting , reduce the width of cut by overlapping previously cut path and mow slowly . â¢ For better grass bagging and most cut - â¢ Certain types of grass and grass ting conditions , the engine speed should conditions may require that an area be be set in the FAST position . mulched a second time to completely â¢ Pores in cloth grass catchers can be - hide the clippings . When doing a sec - come filled with dirt and dust with use ond cut , mow across ( perpendicular ) to and catchers will collect less grass . To the first cut path . prevent this , regularly hose catcher off â¢ Change your cutting pattern from week with water and let dry before using . to week . Mow north to south one week â¢ Keep top of engine around starter clear then change to east to west the next and clean of grass clippings and chaff . week . This will help prevent matting and This will help engine air flow and extend graining of the lawn . engine life . 11 Page: 12

BEFORE AFTER EVERY EVERY EVERY EACH EACH 10 25HOURS 100 BEFORE USE USE HOURS OR SEASON HOURS STORAGE SCHEDULE Check for Loose Fasteners L Clean / Inspect Grass Catcher * _ Check Tires N Check Drive Wheels * * * Clean Lawn Mower . . . . M Clean under Drive Cover * * * O Check Drive Belt / Pulleys * * * I / 3 _ heck / Sharpen / Replace Blade Lubrication Clean and Recharge Battery * * Check Engine Oil level _ ' Change Engine Oil N Clean Air Filter I / _ Inspect Muffler N Replace Spark Plug E Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge Empty fuel system or add Stabilizer I / * ( if so equipped ) 1 - Change more often if operating under a heavy load or in high outdoor temperatures . * * Electric - Start mowers 2 - Service more often if operating in dirty or dusty conditions . 3 - Replace blades more often when mowing in sandy soil , * * * Power - Propelled mowers 4 - Charge 48 hours at end of season . * * * * Use a scraperer to clean und deck 5 - And after each 5 hours of use . LUBRICATION CHART GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS The warranty on this lawn mower does not Wheel cover items that have been subjected to adjuster ( on operator abuse or negligence . To receive each wheel ) full value from the warranty , operator must maintain unit as instructed in this manual . @ Engine oil Some adjustments will need to be made periodically to properly maintain your unit . At least once a season , check to see if Mulcher you should make any of the adjustments door hinge described in the Service and Adjustments pin section of this manual . â¢ At least once a year , replace the spark Rear door plug , clean or replace air filter element hinge and check blade for wear . A new spark plug and clean / new air filter element assure proper air - fuel mixture and help your engine run better and last longer . â¢ Follow the maintenance schedule in this manual . Handle bracket mounting pins BEFORE EACH USE _ Spray lubricant See " ENGINE " in Maintenance section . â¢ Check engine oil level . â¢ Check for loose fasteners . IMPORTANT : Do not oil or grease plastic wheel bearings . Viscous lubricants will LU BRICATION attract dust and dirt that will shorten the life of Keep unit well lubricated the self - lubricating bearings . If you feel they ( See " LUBRICATION CHART " ) . must be lubricated , use only a dry , powdered 2graphite type lubricant sparingly . 1 Page: 13

ENGINE engine will smoke heavily from the muffler on startup . LU BRICATION 8 . Always be sure to retighten oil dipstick Use only high quality detergent oil rated with before starting engine . API service classification SG - SL Select the 9 . Reconnect spark plug wire to spark plug . oil's SAE viscosity grade according to your AIR FILTER expected operating temperature . Your engine will not run properly and SAE VISCOSITY GRADES may be damaged by using a dirty air filter . Replace the air filter cartridge every 100 hours of operation or every season , F - 20 0 30 32 40 60 80 100 whichever occurs first . Service air cleaner more often under dusty conditions . TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTiCiPATED BEFORE NEXT OiL CHANGE TO CLEAN AIR FILTER NOTE : Although multi - viscosity oils 1 . Loosen screw and tilt cover to remove . ( 5W30 , 10W30 etc . ) improve starting in 2 . Carefully remove cartridge . cold weather , these multi - viscosity oils will 3 . Clean by gently tapping on a flat sur - result in increased oil consumption when face . If very dirty , replace cartridge . used above 32 Â° F . Check your engine oil AI : ; CI , AUTION : Petroleum solvents , such level more frequently to avoid possible as kerosene , are not to be used to clean engine damage from running low on oil . cartridge . They may cause deterioration Change the oil after every 25 hours of op - of the cartridge . Do not oil cartridge . Do eration orat least once a year if the mower not use pressurized air to clean or dry is not used for 25 hours in one year . cartridge . Check the crankcase oil level before 4 . Install cartridge , then replace cover starting the engine and after each five ( 5 ) making sure the tabs are aligned with hours of continuous use . Tighten oil plug the slots in the back plate . Fasten securely each time you check the oil level . screw securely . TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL . Lip Back plate NOTE : Before tipping lawn mower to drain oil , empty fuel tank by running engine until fuel tank is empty . 1 . Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with plug . 2 . Remove engine oil cap ; lay aside on a clean surface . / 3 . Tip lawn mower on its side as shown Cartridge _ / , and drain oil into a suitable container . Rock lawn mower back and forth to re - move any oil trapped inside of engine . _ _ _ r _ Slot Cover tab MUFFLER Inspect and replace corroded muffler as it could create a fire hazard and / or damage . SPARK PLUG Replace spark plug at the beginning of each mowing season or after every 100 4 . Wipe off any spilled oil from lawn hours of operation , whichever occurs mower or side of engine . first . Spark plug type and gap setting 5 . Slowly pour oil down the oil fill spout , are shown in the " PRODUCT SPECIFIC - stopping every few ounces to check the ATIONS " section of this manual . oil level with the dipstick . CLEANING 6 . Stop adding oil when you reach the FULL mark on the dipstick . Wait a IMPORTANT : For best performance , minute to allow oil to settle . keep mower housing free of built - grass 7 . Continue adding small amounts of oil , and trash . Clean the underside of your rechecking the dipstick until oil level mower after each use . settles at FULL . DO NOT overfill , or 14 Page: 15

ENGINE ENGINE SPEED Your engine speed has been factory set . Do not attempt to increase engine speed or it may result in personal injury . If you believe that engine is running too fast or too stow , take your mower to a Sears or other qualified service center for repair and adjustment . CARBURETOR Your carburetor is not adjustable . If your engine does not operate properly due to sus - pected carburetor problems , take your lawn mower to a Sears or other qualified service center for repair and / or adjustment . Lower IMPORTANT : Never tamper with the engine governor , which is factory set for proper engine speed . Overspeeding the engine above the factory high speed setting can be dangerous . If you think ROTATE the engine - governed high speed needs adjusting , contact a Sears or other qualified service center , which has proper equipment and experience to make any necessary adjustments . Immediately prepare your lawn mower for storage at the end of the season or if the unit will not be used for 30 days or more . When setting up your handle from the LAWN MOWER storage position , the lower handle will When lawn mower is to be stored for a automatically lock into mowing position . period of time , clean it thoroughly , remove SQUEEZE all dirt , grease , leaves , etc . Store in a TO FOLD clean , dry area . 1 . Clean entire lawn mower ( See " CLEANING " in the Maintenance sec - tion of this manual ) . 2 . Lubricate as shown in the Maintenance ] section of this manual . I I L , 3 . Be sure that all nuts , bolts , screws , and pins are securely fastened . Inspect MOWING moving parts for damage , breakage Operator POSITION and wear . Replace if necessary . presence control bar 4 . Touch up all rusted or chipped paint surfaces ; sand lightly before painting . / / HANDLE / / You can fold your mower handle for storage . FOLD ' , , 1 . Squeeze the bottom ends of the lower FORWARD " handle toward each other until the FOR " , lower handle clears the handle bracket , STORAGE then move handle forward . 2 . Loosen upper handle mounting bolts enough to allow upper handle to be Handle folded back . knob IMPORTANT : When folding the handle for storage or transportation , be sure to fold the handle as shown or you may dam - Lower handle age the control cables . 16 Page: 17

ENGINE OIL ENGINE FUEL SYSTEM Drain oil ( with engine warm ) and replace with clean engine oil . ( See " ENGINE " in IMPORTANT : It is important to prevent the Maintenance section of this manual ) . gum deposits from forming in essential fuel CYLINDER system parts such as carburetor , fuel filter , 1 . Remove spark plug . fuel hose , or tank during storage . Alcohol 2 . Pour one ounce ( 29 ml ) of oil through blended fuels ( called gasohol or using spark plug hole into cylinder . ethanol or methanol ) can attract moisture 3 . Pull starter handle slowly a few times which leads to separation and formation to distribute oil . of acids during storage . Acidic gas can 4 . Replace with new spark plug . damage the fuel system of an engine while OTHER in storage . â¢ Empty the fuel tank by starting the en - â¢ Do not store gasoline from one season gine and letting it run until the fuel lines to another . and carburetor are empty . â¢ Replace your gasoline can if your can â¢ Never use engine or carburetor cleaner starts to rust . Rust and / or dirt in your products in the fuel tank or permanent gasoline will cause problems . damage may occur . â¢ If possible , store your unit indoors and â¢ Use fresh fuel next season . cover it to protect it from dust and dirt . NOTE : Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable al - â¢ Cover your unit with a suitable protec - tive cover that does not retain moisture . ternative in minimizing the formation of fuel gum deposits during storage . Add stabilizer Do not use plastic . Plastic cannot to gasoline in fuel tank or storage container . breathe , which allows condensation to Always followthe mix ratio found on stabilizer form and will cause your unit to rust . container . Run engine at least 10 minutes IMPORTANT : Never cover mower while after adding stabilizer to allow the stabilizer to engine and exhaust areas are still warm . reach the carburetor . Do not empty the gas _ CAUTION : Never store the lawn mower tank and carburetor if using fuel stabilizer . with gasoline in the tank inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark . Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure . TROUBLESHOOTING - See appropriate section in manual unless directed to a Sears Parts & Repair Center . PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Does not start 1 . Dirty air filter . 1 . Clean / replace air filter . 2 . Out of fuel . 2 . Fill fuel tank . 3 . Stale fuel . 3 . Empty fuel tank and refill tank with fresh , clean gasoline . 4 . Water in fuel . 4 . Empty fuel tank and refill tank with fresh , clean gasoline . 5 . Spark plug wire is 5 . Connect wire to plug . disconnected . 6 . Bad spark plug . 6 . Replace spark plug . 7 . Loose blade or broken 7 . Tighten blade bolt or blade adapter . replace blade adapter . 8 . Control bar in released 8 . Depress control bar to handle . position . 9 . Control bar defective . 9 . Replace control bar . 10 . Turn fuel valve lever 10 . Fuel valve lever ( if so equipped ) in OFF position . to the ON position . 11 . Weak battery ( if equipped ) . 11 . Charge battery . 12 . Disconnected battery 12 . Connect battery to engine . connector ( if equipped ) . 17 Page: 18